Meet the 2023-2024 Lead to the Future Class

August 22, 2023

Last month, we kicked off the 2023-2024 Lead to the Future Program, welcoming the newest class of participants! This is the 13th class of our leadership development program, previously branded as "20 up to 40". The program prepares participants for their leadership roles, providing them with future-focused strategies that empower them within their organizations, communities, and the profession. Graduates of the leadership program have advanced to key leaders in their organization, and many have served on the KSCPA Board of Directors, KSCPA Educational Foundation Board of Trustees, AICPA Committees, and the AICPA Board of Directors. Alums have also praised the program for providing expanded opportunities & meaningful life-long connections with colleagues.

We applaud the 2023-2024 class participants for taking this giant step forward to enhance their leadership journey!

The L2F participants immediately gained momentum with the program's first wave of coaching with top leadership expert Jon Lokhorst, CSP, CPA, PCC, Leadership Coach & Consultant at Lokhorst Consulting LLC. The session focused on participants' personal leadership profiles to see how their personality shapes their leadership style. In addition, the session shared the keys to lead in all directions successfully. They wrapped up the session by completing leadership developments and pairing off with an accountability partner.

"I was delighted to meet this year's L2F cohort. They showed up for our first session ready to dive into engaging discussions about their leadership challenges and how they can use their strengths to face those challenges. I'm impressed with the caliber of the group and am eager to see each of them continue to grow and take on more leadership responsibilities in their organizations." - Jon Lokhorst, CSP, CPA, PCC

The remainder of the program will focus on participants's individual leadership development, as well as showcasing opportunities for leadership within the profession and KSCPA through service on the Board of Directors, advocacy at the legislative level, and connection to national leadership opportunities. The program will culminate in July 2024 with an alum event.

Introducing the 2023-2024 Lead to the Future Participants:

ALYSSA BECKER

Manager

Pinion
"Leadership to me is being someone that takes initiative to strengthen those around them by providing insight, a listening ear, good teaching moments, and has the motivation to help grow one's team into strong leaders themselves."

MELISSA BRUNA

Senior Manager

Sink, Gordon & Associates LLP
"Leadership is the ability to bring out the best in your team while inspiring and motivating to achieve a common goal."

BRIAN FERGUSON

Manager

Textron Aviation
"Leadership is living your life in a way that inspires others to be their best selves. It isn’t indicative of a title; it is enabling others to take positive action to succeed."

LIZZI GIORGIANNI

Manager

Pinion
"Leadership is to guide a team to achieve common goals while also making each team member feel individually empowered. A leader embraces discomfort, leads by example, and always upholds their integrity with every decision."

TAYLOR HEIM

Manager

AdamsBrown, LLC
"Leadership is using your strengths to create a positive impact on your team. Great leaders invest the time and energy into bringing out the best in every individual person, by inspiring and motivating them to achieve and align all common goals of the team."

VICTOR ROJAS

Supervising Associate

Allen, Gibbs & Houlik, L.C.
"Leadership to me means leading by example and striving towards your goals while helping and inspiring others to do the same."

Thank You to Our Program Sponsor!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS & PARTNERS IN ACCOUNTING EXCELLENCE!